Riot, disorder, set the banks on fire...

Riots and civil unrest erupt in London following the fatal shooting of 29 year old Mark Duggan by police on Thursday in Tottenham. A peaceful protest turned to violence and looting which has now spread across the capital with further copycat riots popping up in other UK cities. Three days into the chaos and fires are still ablaze and crime is rampant with police struggling to contain the outbreak.

David Cameron has just given his statement, having only just returned to London from his holiday, and has stated that up to 16,000 police will be on the streets tonight and that all Met leave is cancelled with immediate effect. Cameron also said "If you are old enough to commit these crimes, you are old enough to face the punishment." Many are already criticizing his vague statement and his delay in getting back to the city with Twitter abuzz with public responses. British comedian Simon Pegg tweeted "Just seen on BBC news that David Cameron has "condemned the sickening scenes" Thank goodness, I was concerned which way he'd swing." Yesterday musician M.I.A. tweeted “I'm going down to the riots to hand out tea and mars bars,” which she was subsequently criticized for, she has since deleted her post and recently tweeted "a five year old is walking round looting my cousin's shop." Not so funny any more is it 'Maya'?

Instead of David Cameron I think we need to get THIS woman on the TV and out on the streets to sort these youths out, ya get me:

On a serious note though, it is extremely distressing to think that there are such a high number of youths in London and the UK that are prepared to partake in mindless vandalism, violence and destruction. It doesn't really make you feel safe does it? With talks of Notting Hill carnival being cancelled and the Olympic games a year away I'm wondering what the further repercussions of all this chaos will be. Here are some more photos and videos of the trouble that's been going on:

The Turkish community in Dalston group together to drive out rioters:

Click HERE to read an article on the Guardian online talking about budget cuts and the dangers of gang culture published 12 days ago.

A website called Catch A Looter has popped up collating images of thieves. Vigilante action is not recommended but if you see looters bragging on Twitter you can report them.

Visit www.riotcleanup.co.uk for info on how and where to help clean up affected areas if you can.